"Stretch feeding"

[TFB]

Has anyone tried stretch feeding, as in a higher feeder height and pigs front legs on an elevated platform. I have been told that doing this could improve muscle in the loin and ham. Has anyone had success or is it more hurt than good.

[Pac]

I am not sure that this would be the greatest idea...showpigs, especially as they get heavier, are somewhat fragile in the joint areas. In addition they can be aggressive when eating that would make them more prone to injury using this system. Nothing works better for muscle than good ol' genetics, high quality feed, and exercise.

We use a version of this method on our show goats and even with them the results are inconclusive, as we are relying on the genetics, etc. to come through.